Shoko Kanazawa, an acclaimed calligrapher and disability rights advocate, on Friday conveyed an inspirational message of hope through her accomplishments at a day-long event commemorating World Down Syndrome day at the United Nations.
The 29-year-old explained how she took up calligraphy at age 5 and faced numerous obstacles. She eventually overcame them with the help of her mother Yasuko, now 71, to whom she made a moving tribute in an open letter during the presentation.
"Thank you for teaching me calligraphy," she said in front of a packed audience of several hundred people with her mother sitting in front.